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Chapter20
“This is not my style at all.” Haven stood in front of a mirror and frowned at her reflection. She wore a sleeveless tulle wedding gown with a low-cut neckline and a corset-style bodice. “I honestly didn’t think I was this picky.” She turned back and forth for another look, then shook her head as she met her mother’s gaze.
It was Friday afternoon, two weeks later, and Darcy sat on a chair in the dressing room at the Fairytale Bridal Shop located on Main Street in Flowering Grove. She and Haven had taken the afternoon off from work since Derek’s mother, Marcia, had managed to get an appointment for Haven. She insisted they come to the Fairytale Bridal Shop since Marcia’s nieces had all gotten their wedding gowns there. Haven’s mother, Lola, and Derek’s younger sister, Kaylen, had also joined them.
“I agree.” Lola touched her daughter’s shoulder. “Let’s keep looking.”
Marcia gave Haven a sympathetic expression. “You need to feel comfortable on your wedding day. You’re not picky, Haven. You just haven’t found the right gown yet.”
Dakota Jamison, the shop owner, tapped her chin. “I think I might have just the one.” She disappeared into the back of the store while Haven and her mother slipped into a dressing room.
Darcy’s mind wandered to the gown she had planned to wear to her own wedding. She had felt like a princess in that gorgeous dress with its beading, lace, and long train. After Jace had passed away, she’d tucked the gown away in the back of one of her closets, unsure of what to do with it.
If she were to get married, she couldn’t imagine wearing that gown. She’d bought it while planning her future with Jace and no one else. She’d asked about returning it, but since it had been altered for her, the sale was final.
She’d thought about selling it or even donating it in hopes of another woman wearing it and feeling as beautiful as Darcy felt when she first tried it on—but she couldn’t bring herself to do that yet. The idea made her feel like she was giving away her memories of Jace and all of their special plans.
Darcy’s heart squeezed at the memory, but she banished it. Today was Haven’s day, and she wanted to be as supportive to her as Haven had been while planning Darcy’s wedding.
When Haven reappeared from the back of the store with Lola and Dakota in tow, she wore the new gown. She stood in front of the mirror, turning from side to side while scrutinizing her reflection. As if on cue, Lola, Marcia, Kaylen, and Darcy all gasped at once. The white sleeveless gown had a sweetheart neckline, a dropped waistline, and a chapel-length train. The full tulle skirt featured lace appliques, and the top included a matching short-sleeved removable jacket. The gown looked as if it had been designed especially for her.
“Oh, Haven,” her mother whispered. “Honey, this is it.”
Darcy moved to the wall of mirrors. “You’re stunning.” Her eyes filled with happy tears as she imagined her best friend walking down the aisle on her father’s arm toward the love of her life.
“Breathtaking,” Kaylen added.
Marcia nodded. “Absolutely.”
Haven laughed before spinning in front of the mirror. “I love it.”
Dakota clapped her hands. “Wonderful. Now, have you thought about shoes?”
Darcy and Kaylen exchanged smiles. Darcy had always thought Derek’s younger sister was lovely with her dark hair and eyes that matched her mother’s. At twenty-five, she was sweet and friendly, and she loved her job as a pet groomer.
Kaylen waved Darcy toward the front of the store. “The wedding will be here before we know it. We need to talk about the bridal shower.”
“You’re right,” Darcy answered.
Kaylen nodded. “Let’s plan a time to get together.”
“There you two are.” Lola joined them at the front of the store. “Darcy, I’ve been meaning to ask you about Carter. How are things going?”
Darcy blushed. “Great.”
“I’m so glad to hear it.” Lola clasped her hands together. “I know you’ve been through a hard time, sweetie, but Jace would want to see you move on and find happiness with another man who loves you.”
Hearing her late fiancé’s name never seemed to get easier for Darcy, but she tried to mask the sadness with a smile. “Thanks.”
“Mom!” Haven called from the dressing room. “Come and tell me what you think of these shoes.”
Lola motioned toward the dressing room. “Duty calls.”
After Haven had settled on the gown, veil, and shoes, they all headed out to the sidewalk. The mid-June air was humid, and the sun was high in the sky. Darcy smiled at Haven as they started toward their cars. She couldn’t wait for her best friend’s special day.
***
The following evening, Carter lifted Darcy’s hand. He kissed her knuckles as they sat in his truck in her driveway after the concert. His heart felt full after sitting on the amphitheater lawn and watching one of his favorite country singers perform some of his favorite songs.
